As a station that uses volunteers and SMC interns, we have the pleasure of meeting the coolest people from all walks of life. Among the things they have in common is that they are big-hearted, conscientious helpers. Enter Monique Villa, she is a student and front office volunteer but she doubles as Miss Long Beach!
Although Monique didn’t think she was the type of gal to enter pageants, she is the type to reach out to the community and that was one way to do it (the fact that she’s a cutie didn’t hurt either). After winning her first pageant, she found it was a great experience and now she has the opportunity, and the Mayor’s ear, to work on helping the Long Beach community. On Friday, December 17th, she will be holding her first Project-Give-A-Book event at Apostrophe Books in Long Beach. Joining her will be Nathan Lyon, noted chef, long time KCRW Angel member, and now children’s book author (Sam the Clam). Together they hope to collect over 100 new children’s books by 12/21 for gifts to hospitalized kids. How can anyone say no to that? Check out all the details below. Go Miss Long Beach!
MISS LONG BEACH 2011 HOSTS “PROJECT GIVE-A-BOOK” HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE IN LONG BEACH ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 WITH SPECIAL GUEST, CHEF AND CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR NATHAN LYON
Free Family Holiday Event at Apostrophe Books will help Miss Long Beach’s new giving project put books in the hands of children in need
Long Beach, CA…Meet Miss Long Beach 2011 at her special public event featuring TV chef and just-published children’s book author Nathan Lyon and take home a signed copy of his new book, Sam The Clam at an in-store reading and book signing at Apostrophe Books in Long Beach on Friday, December 17th from 7 to 9pm.
This event marks the third week of Project Give-A-Book, an initiative created by Monique Villa, Miss Long Beach 2011.
Just in time for this year’s holiday season, Project Give-A-Book is a community giving initiative bringing new books to local children in need. Children’s books purchased on behalf of Project Give-A-Book during this event will receive a 10% discount. Light refreshments will be served.
Author Nathan Lyon is supporting Miss Long Beach’s “Project Give-A-Book” by reading from and autographing copies of Sam the Clam, a story that teaches children how fear and life’s challenges can be overcome with patience, friendship and helping others.
Chef Nathan Lyon is known to viewers across the country for his simple, innovative cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients. Among the final four contestants on the second season of The Next Food Network Star, he is the creator and host of A Lyon in the Kitchen (Discovery Health and Fit TV), chef and co-host on Growing A Greener World (PBS), and appears as a guest chef/expert on Home Made Simple (TLC) and Real Simple Real Life (TLC).
A stained glass artist and a trained EMT, Nathan holds a BS in Health Science from James Madison University as well as a Culinary Arts Degree from Le Cordon Bleu. He has cooked for the Inspector General, many non-profit organizations, and has worked with local growers in California farmers markets for over a decade. Blending grassroots and gourmet, Nathan believes great meals make great neighbors.
Apostrophe Books is located at 4712 E. 2nd St. in Long Beach, California. Street parking available. This event is open to the public.
Learn more about Miss Long Beach 2011 and her holiday book drive Project Give-A-Book online at www.ProjectGiveABook.com
Please direct all inquiries to ProjectGiveABook@gmail.com
